East Bengal fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief as the club confirms that Spanish coach Oscar Brujo will take charge of the team in the upcoming Kolkata Derby against Mohun Bagan on Saturday. After much anticipation and speculation, Brujo’s arrival has been confirmed for the morning of the Derby, and he is set to be on the bench at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium, ready to guide the Red and Gold brigade.
Brujo to Arrive in Kolkata Just Before the Match
According to club sources, Brujo is expected to land in Kolkata at around 3:20 AM on the day of the match. Although he will have limited time to interact with the team ahead of the big game, his presence on the sidelines is expected to provide a much-needed morale boost. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 PM at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium), and the East Bengal camp is hopeful that their new coach will bring fresh energy to a team that is struggling in the Indian Super League (ISL) this season.
Visa Issues Resolved Just in Time
Brujo’s arrival had been shrouded in uncertainty due to delays in visa processing. The coach had not received his visa until Thursday evening, which led to speculation about whether he would be able to join the team for the crucial Derby match. Fortunately, the visa issues were resolved, allowing the Spanish coach to fly to India in time for the high-stakes game.
East Bengal’s Struggles Under Previous Coaches
The coaching change comes after a series of poor performances in the ISL. East Bengal has lost three consecutive matches, leading to the departure of their previous coach, Carles Cuadrat. In the interim, assistant coach Bino George took charge of the team for one game, but that match also ended without a win. The club wasted no time in announcing Oscar Brujo as the new head coach, though questions remained about when he would arrive.
With Brujo now set to take the reins, East Bengal supporters are hopeful that the new coach will be able to turn around the club’s fortunes. The Red and Gold brigade currently finds itself in a difficult position after losing key matches, but Brujo’s arrival could be the spark they need to get back on track.
Team Prepares Under Bino George
While Brujo’s arrival is seen as a positive development, East Bengal has already begun preparations for the Derby under interim coach Bino George. The team has reportedly made significant progress, with several players recovering from injuries. To further boost the players’ confidence, East Bengal officials, along with representatives from their sponsor, Emami, held a meeting on Thursday. The gathering included players, coaches, and support staff, all of whom are focused on delivering a strong performance in the highly anticipated Derby.
Will Brujo Inspire East Bengal in the Derby?
The Kolkata Derby is more than just a game—it’s a battle for pride. As one of the most anticipated matches in Indian football, this encounter between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan carries immense significance for both clubs and their fans. For East Bengal, the presence of a new coach on the sidelines could be a game-changer. Players like Clayton Silva and the rest of the squad will be looking to impress their new boss and break their losing streak.
Oscar Brujo’s arrival has brought hope to the East Bengal camp, but it remains to be seen if his influence will be enough to secure a victory against their fierce rivals. All eyes will be on the Salt Lake Stadium as East Bengal looks to regain momentum in their ISL campaign under the guidance of their new coach.